Charles Burchfield, Journals, February 19, 1942

To Whitney Museum to see “History of American Water Color Painting” exhibition. Museum closed, but I called up from the drugstore across the street, and they let me in. I had the place to myself – and enjoyed the show very much.

Then by taxi – to meet Watson at 330 W. 42nd. The driver very talkative. He told me tales of the Whitney and Vanderbilt families, and seem to take a personal pride in their great wealth, and their idiosyncrasies.

I found Watson to be a very agreeable intelligent person, and not inclined to make demands on my time or effort to assemble his article – which made me willing to help him as much as I could. We dined on the top floor (23rd) of the building his office is in.

He outlined some photographs he wants taken at my studio.

P.M. At gallery – [Frank] – shows some work by Hopper & Watkins – “Night Hawks” and Route 6, by Hopper – both in his best vein – and a portrait of a man by Watkins – superb in its analysis.

Hopper in at late afternoon, and we had a long chat.

Thurs Evening – dinner with [Frank] & Geo Olds & his son, who is in the coast guard – this was his last night of “leave” – It was fine to see him George radiated love for his son.

We had difficulty finding a picture. We all felt the choice was up to young olds, and his pick was a Cagney picture of airplanes, (but it was “standing room only there” – We wandered up and down Broadway (which I thoroughly enjoyed) and finally in desperation, settled on a double mystery bill.

Night train home.

Charles E. Burchfield. February 19, 1942